LDWF Urges Public to Attend Gulf Council Meeting in Support of Regional Management

(Jan. 14,2012) -The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries strongly urges anglers across Louisiana to attend a public meeting hosted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council TODAY, January 14 in Baton Rouge, La., at 6 p.m. in support of regional management of recreational red snapper.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Reef Fish Management Committee met earlier this week in Tampa, Fla., and is considering a 27-day recreational red snapper season. The LDWF feels this proposal is unacceptable and essentially negates having a season at all.

LDWF Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina wants red snapper to be managed on state-by-state or regional basis, with state agencies in control, working under a federal umbrella.

“I have every confidence that our biologists do a superb job at managing Louisiana’s fish populations,” explains Pausina. “Across the Gulf Coast you find the most robust fish populations are those that are state-managed. The data speaks for itself; the areas where populations are in the most trouble are in those that remain federally-managed. There is no “one-size fits all” approach that works for the Gulf.”

Federal catch estimates show that the existing Gulf-wide management of red snapper is off track, and LDWF will go non-compliant if the Gulf Council is unwilling to move towards regional management, on the state’s terms.

“There’s no confidence in the federal regulations, so it’s time to draw a line in the sand. We hope our fellow Gulf Coast states will join us in rejecting the federal red snapper dates and limits and move forward with our own interpretation of regional management.“

The LDWF strongly urges the public to attend this meeting and voice their opinions. This is the best opportunity for you to make suggestions or raise concerns before the Council begins developing an amendment.

The Louisiana meeting is scheduled as follows:

Monday, January 14, 2013, 6 p.m.

Doubletree by Hilton

4964 Constitution Avenue

Baton Rouge, LA 70808

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov[4]on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb[5]or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.